Pictured: Man suspected of attacking Spanish couple in York ‘because they were foreign’

The man and woman were set upon by five or six men at around 4am on Sunday, April 5, shortly after they left the Blue Fly Cafe Bar on New Street in the city centre.

Police say the men targeted the couple because they were from a foreign country and repeatedly punched and kicked the 24-year-old man over a period of 10 minutes.

He suffered a broken jaw, chipped teeth and bruising. He is now recovering following treatment at York District Hospital.

His girlfriend, 29, was repeatedly pushed to the ground while he was being attacked. According to North Yorkshire Police, the only reason the suspects stopped the violence was because a passing taxi driver came to the couple’s rescue.

The suspects are described as white, aged between 20 and 25, short or shaved hair and spoke with English accents.

An E-fit has been developed of one of the suspects as part of the ongoing investigation. At the time of the attack, police described the incident as “sickening and vicious”.

Sergeant Adrian Carter, of the York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing trace up to six suspects who believe are from the York area. We hope the E-fit will encourage people to come forward with vital information.

“If you know a local man who fits the description in the image, please contact the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible. Any detail that could assist the investigation will be treated with the strictest confidence.”

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Adrian Carter, or email [email protected].

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Please quote reference number 12150055457 when providing details about this incident.